Horizontal Communication:

Horizontal communication refers to the sharing of information across divisions within an organization that is at the same functional level [1, 2, 4]. Also known as lateral communication, it occurs between people of equal standing and rank within the organization [2, 4]. Horizontal communication facilitates coordination between departments and promotes the free flow of ideas, information, and attitude between coworkers and peers [1, 2, 4].

Advantages of Horizontal Communication

• Easier communication and cooperation between parties
• Better coordination between divisions
• Increased employee empowerment and job satisfaction

Limitations of Horizontal Communication

• Potential rivalry and hostility between parties
• Tension between different divisions
• Potential negative impact on other types of communication

Diagonal Communication

Diagonal communication describes the communication between employees at various organizational levels [1, 2, 4]. It occurs between employees at different levels of an organization, such as when a managing director communicates with a sales representative [2, 4]. Diagonal communication facilitates communication between lower- and higher-level employees and can be used as a tool to inspire and encourage workers [2, 4].

Advantages of Diagonal Communication

• Fostering relationships between workers at different levels
• Ensuring messages are transmitted unaltered
• Stress-testing a company’s leadership

Disadvantages of Diagonal Communication

• Potential for ignoring proper communication channels
• Unhealthy levels of rivalry among employees
• Potential laboriousness

Differences between Horizontal and Diagonal Communication

• Definition: Horizontal communication occurs across departments at the same organizational level, while diagonal communication occurs between employees at different levels.
• Purpose: Horizontal communication aims to improve cross-departmental collaboration and efficiency, while diagonal communication serves as a channel for the dissemination of information between subordinate workers and superiors.
• Information Flow: Horizontal communication involves communication between people on the same social and professional tiers, while diagonal communication is used by both superiors and subordinates.
• Level of Formality: Horizontal communication has a low degree of formality, while diagonal communication is quite formal.
• Advantages: Horizontal communication promotes shared comprehension, coordinated action, collaboration, and clarification, while diagonal communication fosters relationships, ensures unaltered messages, reduces stress on managers, inspires workers, and points out areas for improvement.
• Disadvantages: Horizontal communication can decrease the efficiency of other forms of communication, develop rivalry and animosity, and cause interdepartmental conflicts. Diagonal communication can lead to career issues, unhealthy competition, and reduced productivity [2, 3].

References:

[1] Early Math Counts. (n.d.). Horizontal, Vertical, Diagonal. Retrieved from https://earlymathcounts.org/lessons/horizontal/

[2] Tutorials Point. (2022, December 15). Difference between Horizontal Communication and Diagonal Communication. Retrieved from https://www.tutorialspoint.com/difference-between-horizontal-communication-and-diagonal-communication

[3] Difference Between. (2019, November 1). Difference Between Horizontal Communication and Diagonal Communication. Retrieved from http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/difference-between-horizontal-communication-and-diagonal-communication/

[4] R.D. Agarwal. Organization and Management. Tata McGraw-Hill Education Publishers, 1982.

FAQs

What is horizontal communication?

Horizontal communication is the sharing of information across divisions within an organization that is at the same functional level. It facilitates coordination between departments and promotes the free flow of ideas, information, and attitude between coworkers and peers.

What is diagonal communication?

Diagonal communication is the communication between employees at various organizational levels. It occurs between employees at different levels of an organization, such as when a managing director communicates with a sales representative. Diagonal communication facilitates communication between lower- and higher-level employees and can be used as a tool to inspire and encourage workers.

What are the advantages of horizontal communication?

Advantages of horizontal communication include easier communication and cooperation, better coordination between divisions, and increased employee empowerment and job satisfaction.

What are the disadvantages of horizontal communication?

Disadvantages of horizontal communication include potential rivalry and hostility between parties, tension between different divisions, and a potential negative impact on other types of communication.

What are the advantages of diagonal communication?

Advantages of diagonal communication include fostering relationships between workers at different levels, ensuring messages are transmitted unaltered, and stress-testing a company’s leadership.

What are the disadvantages of diagonal communication?

Disadvantages of diagonal communication include the potential for ignoring proper communication channels, unhealthy levels of rivalry among employees, and potential laboriousness.

When should horizontal communication be used?

Horizontal communication should be used when there is a need to coordinate activities between different departments or teams, share information and ideas, or resolve conflicts.

When should diagonal communication be used?

Diagonal communication should be used when there is a need to communicate with employees at different levels of the organization, provide feedback, or share important information that needs to be disseminated quickly.